parresia

"We are going to have

"We are going to have to realize that America is a mission field, not a battlefield. We are not going to take America back-- America is lost!"

These sober words were written by Michael Horton in his book Beyond Culture Wars, and I can't help but think of them after the post I just wrote on the Sore League. It's a tough thing: wanting to change the world (good intentions) but realizing #1 that many men in the history of the church have set out with "good intentions" only to wreak havoc on Christendom and the world at large; e.g., John Wesley, and Karl Marx, #2 God might not have reformation planned anytime soon, and my measly efforts are not going to over throw that decree.

Certainly, I am to act as if God has decreed to bring reformation about this year, it's just hard to know what to do exactly. I mean what can a 25 year old college student do beyond maintaining a webpage geared to "argue in the marketplace," present Christianity in my words and actions, and go to church on sunday? I know, I know, there are myriads of things I could be doing: writing to newspapers: getting my voice out there; writing to senators, and congressmen, calling radio talk shows, starting clubs, writing newsletters, et cetera, et cetera...but which, but what?

These are tough things: especially when I have loads of Spanish homework, Philosophical reading, rehearsal, and job interviews to deal with.

Another grave danger is feeling as if I am already doing enough. I could easily say to myself, "hey, I debate people all the time; I have a website, I'm informed, I speak up in class....what more could God expect of me?" (of course this was purely hypothetical: I've never ever actually thought this) "yeah sure J. who ya foolin'?"

I guess "overwhelmed" is a good word to use sometimes.

I'm reminded of how treacherously steep our own sinfullness, Satan's activities, and the world are as hurdles to doing God's will. It is so easy to get caught up in the difficulties of life: bills, work, school, disease, family problems, lost love, and it's even easier to allow these "facts of life" to keep us away from doing the simple things of God: reading scripture, praying, fellowshipping with others, and being a light on a hill. These things, these trials are a result of our own wanton concupisance, Satan's ploys, and a world that does not fear God. These are the things with which we must contend if we are to be "salt and light."

Godspeed.